Celtics' Jayson Tatum: Players in Contract Years Risking 'A Lot' at NBA Restart

Jayson Tatum is eligible to sign a contract extension this offseason, which makes the Boston Celtics guard somewhat concerned about suffering an injury during the restarted NBA season.

Tatum discussed the risk involved in playing in Orlando with reporters Tuesday:

"[There's] a lot of guys in my situation; a lot of guys are going to be free agents. ... We've been off for four months, not being able to be in the facility. Obviously, we're supposed to stay at home and not having the normal access that we would have to the training facility or the weight room or the gym. And then, [we're] kind of being asked to ramp up and pick it back up at such a rapid pace and go down there and play. Guys are putting a lot on the line."

Tatum is "most likely" going to earn a max contract extension this offseason, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported in May.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Tatum was among the five young players who spoke with National Basketball Players Association executive director Michele Roberts about adding insurances for players competing in Orlando.

Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News reported in June that Tatum "expressed reluctance" about playing in the restart, although the forward said he wasn't considering sitting out because of money.

"I knew [people] would assume I didn't want to play because I didn't want to risk losing out on that contract," he said. "And that would be insensitive, especially during this time when so many people have to file for unemployment, for me to be worried about 'X' amount of dollars."

His biggest concern was being away from his young son, but he will still suit up for Boston this month.

The 22-year-old, who will earn $9.9 million in the last season of his rookie contract, should still expect a massive deal when he is eligible after a breakout 2019-20 season.

The 2017 No. 3 overall pick earned his first All-Star selection this season and is averaging 23.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. He's the leading scorer for a team looking to contend for an NBA title, and the Celtics want to keep him for a long time.

Even if he does suffer an injury, Boston should reward Tatum with a high-priced extension.

Still, other players heading into free agency could lose a lot depending on what happens over the next few months.